Partnering for Public Health: Library-Hospital Alliance Establishes TCM Cultural Space

Abstract

Located in Foshan, China, Guicheng Qin Library is the first Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)-themed community library in Guangdong Province. Co-established by Guangdong Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine and Nanhai Public Library, it integrates TCM with modern library services to enhance public health literacy. The 550-square-meter space features seven TCM-themed functional areas, many designed with input from hospital staff to reflect authentic TCM culture. Over 60% of its print collection focuses on TCM, curated and funded by the hospital. Nanhai Public Library supplements the collection with rotating thematic resources and interlibrary loan services. To preserve the TCM focus, all materials are returned to the original site within a month. The library hosts diverse health literacy activities—wellness lectures, parent-child events, and study tours—leveraging its specialized spaces and collections. A volunteer team of hospital staff and medical students works with librarians to promote TCM knowledge and practices. Guicheng Qin Library exemplifies cross-sector collaboration in promoting public health and TCM culture. It is a dynamic model of library–hospital partnership and contributes meaningfully to UN SDG 3: “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.”